Besides being communal and hateful, Ranjeet Bahadur Srivastava’s statement is violative of the poll code and Sec 153A of IPC.

Instead of apologising, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ranjeet Bahadur Srivastava reiterated his hateful comments made recently at a political rally in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh.

In a telephonic interview to HTN Tiranga TV, he said, “We believe and even the Quaran states this that, in the beginning everyone was Sanantan supporters, everyone had the same religion. Later on they (muslims) kept beards and went their separate way. They changed their identity… That’s what I have essentially said. Revert back to your original identity and everyone will be the same again. What is wrong in saying that?”

When the interviewer pressed him that his original comments were different, Shrivastava said, “Modiji has broken their (muslims’) morale. Their morale had reached such heights that the country was turning theirs. Modi has broken that spirit of theirs…. Apart from that the Centre has granted muslims everything. You (A muslim) become a common man, an Indian and reap the rewards of ‘sabka saath sabka vikaas.’ But this does not mean during these elections, you will keep beards to sell them off. Their beard is sold at the cost of Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000.”

When the anchor countered him if he thinks what he said is right, and whether he should apologise for his hatemongering, Srivastava shockingly defended his remark.

He repeatedly stated he has not said and anything wrong. Moreover, he ‘predicted’ that going forward the people of the country will understand nothing he said is wrong.

Earlier ANI had reported that during a political rally in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, Srivastava had said, “… Vote for PM Modi if you want to destroy the breed of Muslims. Despite partition, the Muslim population is increasing in the country and soon they will able to get the grip on the power through voting.”

The BJP leader had added, “After the Lok Sabha elections, the party will bring machines from China to shave 10-12 thousands of Muslims and later will force them to adopt Hindu religion.”

He also asked people to vote for the BJP in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections or else, “get ready to face consequences…”

Srivastava’s blatantly communal statement is violative of section 153A (promoting enmity between religious groups) of IPC as well as the model code of conduct.